The young lawyer couldn’t hide the flex of his brows as Palis mentioned them, using the word “us” to refer to them. The boy was bold as ever, even in the afterglow of his self-deprecation. It was a trait Aurelien could appreciate. The flexing brow eased into a gentle smile as Palis fumbled and tripped over his words, describing the confusing feelings as just that, confusing feelings. When Palis looked up at him, Aurelien let their gazes meet and he nodded with a following tilt of his head to offer comfort. He was curious about Palis, that much was for sure. What he wasn’t sure of is where this would all lead. It was clear there was something between them, something perhaps more than mere friendship, but just how far past friends did the musings of a relationship go. One could still be friends and share a kiss… or a bed. It all depending on what was wanted by either of them. He believed that Palis would want more than those scenarios would allow. Then again, did confidence beget standards?
Still patient, Aurelien listened to the response of his question, finding himself nodding in nothing but agreement. The lawyer shifted the glass from his center to rest on top of the table instead, one hand’s fingers gently gripping the stem of the chalice while the other hand rested in his lap, palm open over his thigh. The poor boy in front of him was bumbling and buzzing like a nervous bee.
Aurelien rose his glass to his lips, letting the rim sit their as the next question was posed. He thought as he took a long draw from his glass, contemplating both the question and the taste of the wine on his tongue.
“I suppose I don’t know what I want from tonight,” he said. He was being honest. If he had known what to expect and get from tonight’s conversation, he would have been more proactive and straightforward. He wasn’t one to dally in any aspect of his life.
“Like I said, I wanted to see you, and I am glad that you wanted to see me, too,” he continued, “but what I want eludes me. I also got but a taste of what your company is like, and it was a taste that I enjoyed - quite like this wine.” His forefinger traced along the rim of the chalice at the mention. “I guess, if I really must answer, I wanted a confirmation of mutual interest. Haven’t I gotten that?” Aurelien looked at Palis, his brow raised at the rhetoricality of the question. A sly smile presented itself, too. “Anything else from tonight is merely a welcome extra.”
“You asked if I would have you for another meeting, and the answer is yes,” he said, “if you’ll have me, too. So, what about dinner next time, maybe the end of next week, if your schedule permits? I know you’re pretty busy.” He nodded at the desk Palis had tidied a bit earlier.
“As for now, I’m content with letting the wine dull our inhibitions.” He brought the glass to his lips again and downed the remnants of his glass in one go then extended it towards the bottle on the table. “I believe that mine are dulled to the point of courage. So much courage that I dare ask what you want from tonight.” He paused, studying Palis with eyes that harbored earthy intensity.
Aurelien rose from his seat and closed the short distance between he and Palis. He kneeled before the young man, coming to eye level. The warmth of the wine flowed through his system, nudging the truth of his wants closer to the forefront of his mind, a truth he had hidden from himself since his knuckles rapped on Palis’ door. Aurelien’s aura unfurled and flexed outwardly, an attempt to bully an answer from Palis. Still, in spite of his position and his words, he could not deny his own nervousness in the moment. Here he had exposed himself to sure rejection, a blow that could destroy the direction of the night. Yet, he was bold, like Palis.